Combination display and serving tray

ABSTRACT

A combination serving tray and picture frame which includes an outer frame part, and a transparent glass or plastic front panel, and allows display of three-dimensional art work or memorabilia beneath the glass in both the picture frame mode and in the serving tray mode, and allows easy removal and replacement of the three-dimensional art work or memorabilia, and provides in the serving tray mode protection of the art work from any liquid spilled on the central part when in this article is used in its service tray mode.

A. BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is in two fields, namely the field of serving trays traditionally used in a horizontal orientation to carry and hold food and beverages, and the field of picture frames traditionally for display of art work in a vertical orientation against a wall.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional picture frames include a transparent glass or plastic front panel to protect the art work, such panel being positioned with its edges adjacent shoulders (rabbits) in the frame and pressure applied from the rear urging the edges of the glass against said shoulders of the frame. In typical rectangular prior art picture frames the inner walls of the central aperture have shoulders facing rearward to support a glass panel, an adjacent mat board, flat two-dimensional art work such as a painting or photo, a back panel and finally a spring, tape or other means to apply pressure on these elements in the frontward direction, while they are retrained by the front shoulder edges of the frame at four sides, namely, top, bottom and sides. Thus, the artwork is generally compressed and urged to remain flat between the glass panel in the front and the back board or panel or other generally stiff support panel at the rear of the artwork. In many typical picture frames there is a single shoulder or rabbit surface facing rearward to support the glass, the mat, the artwork and the back board. In other prior art frames there are two successive rabbits or shoulders facing forward, these shoulders being merely decorative and having no function as regards positioning, supporting, securing or maintaining of the artwork in the frame.

In the field of serving trays, the typical tray is merely a flat panel with a frame or lip or other upward extending rim around the periphery to prevent articles from slipping off the panel. Obviously, the top surface of the tray panel may be painted or otherwise decorated. A tray for use with food and beverages would be protected from liquid spillage with a protective surface or other sealant. In any event, the decor on the tray surface is selected by the tray manufacturer and is a permanent part of the tray. Even if the decor were personalized for the purchaser of the tray, it would still be permanent and unchangeable, since the liquid-proofing would render the decorated surface permanent.

B. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE NEW INVENTION

A first object of the new invention is to provide a dual function, serving tray and picture frame which can display two or three-dimensional art work and/or other memorabilia in the picture frame mode and can continue to display such art in its serving tray mode. For convenience herein, the terms art work will mean particular three-dimensional art work including collages, sculpture, dried flowers and any memorabilia, but optionally, flat two-dimensional art work, including photographic prints and other printed graphics and articles.

To protect the artwork the serving tray/picture frame will include a transparent front panel glass, Plexiglas® or other plastic. A further object of this invention is to seal the peripheral edges of the transparent front panel to the frame in a liquid-tight manner so that any liquid spill on the glass surface when the serving tray/picture frame is used in service tray mode cannot leak behind the panel and onto the artwork. In one preferred embodiment, the transparent panel is permanently secured to the front portion of the frame.

It is a further object to provide a serving tray/picture frame where the artwork can be easily removed and replaced with three-dimensional or other artwork as desired.

It is a still further object to provide a structure where favored three-dimensional artwork can be displayed on a serving tray during eating and entertaining periods, and in a picture frame hung on a wall when the tray is not in use.

Another object is to provide a display tray in a hobby, craft or construction kit form, where the construction phase can be an enjoyable, relaxing and/or challenging experience for young and older individuals and/or for a family activity, and can be accomplished relatively quickly and easily.

An additional object is to include spaced apart feet on the bottom of this display tray to slightly elevate this article and to render it easier to grip when it is used in its serving tray mode. This construction allows quick, easy and secure gripping without needing any handles or recesses or other interruptions in the clean “look” of the side beams of the frame.

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein:

C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of the new combination picture frame and serving tray of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, showing the component parts.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged rear perspective view of one corner of the frame of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the sectional portion of the frame in FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an exploded view partially in section along line 7-7 in FIG. 3, showing the principal components of the new invention, and

FIG. 8 a is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a prior art picture frame,

FIG. 8 b is a fragmentary sectional of view taken along line 8 b-8 b of FIG. 8 a,

FIG. 8 c is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a prior art picture frame,

FIG. 8 d is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8 d-8 d of FIG. 8 c,

FIG. 8 e is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a prior art picture frame, and

FIG. 8 f is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8 f-8 f of FIG. 8 e.

D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To render the distinctiveness of the present invention over the prior art, first will be described two typical prior art picture frames are shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 f of the appended drawings where the elements of a picture frame comprise merely the frame 1 with a support shoulder 2 facing rearward on each leg 3, the glass panel 4, a mat board 5, the flat two-dimensional art work 6, a back panel 7 and finally a spring, tape or other means (not shown) to apply pressure on these elements in the frontward direction indicated by arrow A, while they are retrained by the front shoulder edges 2 of the frame at four sides, namely, top, bottom and sides. Thus, the artwork is generally compressed and urged to remain flat between the glass panel in the front and the back board or panel 7 or other generally stiff support panel at the rear of the artwork. More specifically, in the prior art picture frames of FIGS. 8 a-8 b and 8 c-8 d there is a single shoulder or rabbit surface 2 facing rearward to support the glass, the mat, the artwork and the back board. In the prior art frame of FIGS. 8 e and 8 f there are two rabbits or shoulders 30, 32 facing rearward to support the glass 18, the mat, the artwork 22 and the back board.

In the prior art frame of FIGS. 8 c-8 d there are two shoulders 8 facing forward, these shoulders being merely decorative and having no function as regards positioning, supporting, securing or maintaining of the artwork in the frame. The glass is typically 1/16-⅛ inch thick and may be replaced by Plexiglas® or other transparent material.

FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the new combination serving tray and picture frame 10. This article is constructed of a rectangular form of four beams 13A-13D joined as mitered corners 14 by fasteners or adhesive not shown. This article as seen in FIG. 1 has front surface 15 and rear surface 17. The beams of the frame are typically made of wood, but plastic or other materials are possible.

The remaining components of this serving tray and picture frame 10 are apparent in FIG. 2 including beam 13A shown in section, glass pane 18, sealant-adhesive 19, mat board 20, artwork 22, back board 24 and retaining spring clip 26 secured in beam 13A by the screw or other fastener 28.

FIG. 5 is provided to show the same arrangement of components as seen in FIG. 2, but with the frame inverted so that the rear side is up as it would be situated for convenient assembly of the glass pane 18, mat board 20, artwork 22 and back board 24 into the frame.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing more clearly the assembly of the components, glass pane 18, mat board 20, artwork 22 and back board 24.

A significant feature of this frame configuration is the dual level rabbits or shoulders 30, 32 as seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 2, 5, and 7 to allow or enhance the three-dimensional effect of three-dimensional objects d'art placed below the glass. Shoulder 30, closest to front face 15, engages and supports the edge of glass pane 18. Mat board 20 with artwork 22 attached thereto lies atop glass 18 and then is similarly supported by shoulder 30. The edges of back board engage and are supported by shoulder 32 on all four beams 13A-13D.

As seen in FIG. 6 height H₂ is the space between glass pane 18 and back board 24 available for mat board 20 and attached art work 22. This space has height greater than the thickness of glass plate 18 and mat board 20 and a single sheet of a painting or photo or other graphic, in order to allow for placement of three-dimensional artwork in the space between the glass and the mat board. In a preferred embodiment dimension H₂ is about ⅜ inches and the glass or plastic plate has thickness in the range of 1/16-⅛ inch.

Dimension H₃ is deep enough to receive backboard 24. If the H₃ depth is greater than back board thickness, as seen in FIG. 5, then the back board is conveniently situated below the outer (or rear) surface of frame 10.

Also shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 is adhesive or sealant layer 19 which is applied onto shoulder 30 or onto the corresponding outer edge of glass pane 18 to secure and seal the glass to the frame. In a preferred embodiment the sealant is clear silicone glue, but may be selected from a great variety of commercially available glues and sealants. FIG. 7 shows an optional version of a mat board 20 with an added layer 20A of foam or other added thickness which may be useful if the artwork is merely a thin photo and it is desired for the mat board and photo to extend closer toward the glass.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 this article can have feet 35 attached to the rear surfaces of the corners of the frame. FIG. 3 shows the further option of a rear surface hanging wire 36 when this article is used as a picture frame. The embodiment shown is in a fully assembled state, and it is contemplated that component elements of this article could be made available in kit form. Both of these presentations make it possible for the user to assemble the display elements and for the user to be able to disassemble and change the artwork at will.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with several embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A serving tray comprising: a. a rectangular frame formed of four beams, each of said beams, having (i) front and rear surfaces that form the front and rear respectively of said frame, and (ii) inner wall surfaces which together define an aperture extending through said frame from said front to said rear thereof, said aperture extending along said inner wall surfaces as three successive steps extending rearward as first risers, and then outward as first flats, thence rearward as second risers having a predetermined height and predetermined length and width between said risers, and then outward as second flats, and thence rearward as third risers to said rear surface of said frame, b. a layer of sealant adhesive on said 1st flats of said four beams, c. a generally stiff rectangular front panel having outer edges secured by said layer of adhesive sealant to said first flats, said front panel having thickness less than said predetermined height of said second risers, thus allowing space behind said front panel for selected three-dimensional decorative material, d. a generally stiff back panel positionable behind and spaced from said front panel and having its outer edges engagable to said second flats, and e. attachment means having one part fixed to said frame and a second part spaced from said first part for engaging and urging said back panel forward against said second flats.
 2. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said front panel is generally transparent.
 3. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said sealant adhesive establishes a water tight seal between said front panel outer edges and said 1^(st) flats.
 4. A serving tray according to claim 1 further comprising a mounting board for supporting decorative material and having length and width dimensions adapted to fit onto sand 1^(st) flats and within said 2^(nd) risers.
 5. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said beams comprise four planks f wood joined at their respective ends into corner joints.
 6. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said frame beams comprise a one-piece molded article.
 7. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said 2^(nd) riser eight is approximately ⅜ inches and said front panel has thickness of about ⅙-⅛ inch.
 8. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein said front panel is glass or plastic.
 9. A serving tray kit comprising: a. a rectangular frame formed of four beams, each of said beams, having (i) front and rear surfaces that form the front and rear respectively of said frame, and (ii) inner wall surfaces which together define an aperture extending through said frame from said front to said rear thereof, said aperture extending along said inner wall surfaces as three successive steps extending rearward as first risers, and then outward as first flats, thence rearward as second risers, and outward as second flats, and thence rearward as third risers to said rear surface of said frame, b. a container of sealant adhesive for application onto said first flats of said four beams, c. a generally stiff substantially transparent rectangular front panel securable in said aperture by said layer of adhesive sealant between the outer edges of said front panel and said first flats, said front panel having thickness less than the height of said second riser, d. a generally stiff back panel positionable with its outer edges engagable to said second flats, and f. attachment means having one part fixable to said frame and a second part spaced from said first part for engaging and urging said back panel forward against said second flat.
 10. A serving tray kit according to claim 9 wherein said front panel is secured and sealed with said sealant adhesive.
 11. A serving tray comprising: a. a frame formed of beams, each of said beams, having (i) front and rear surfaces that form the front and rear respectively of said frame, and (ii) inner wall surfaces which together define an aperture extending through said frame from said front to said rear thereof, said aperture extending along said inner wall surfaces as three successive steps extending rearward as first risers at least and then outward as first flats, thence rearward as second risers having a predetermined height and predetermined length and width between said risers, and then outward as second flats, and thence rearward as third risers to said rear surface of said frame, b. a layer of sealant adhesive on said 1^(st) flats of said beams, c. a generally stiff substantially transparent front panel having outer edges secured by said layer of adhesive sealant to said first flats, said front panel having thickness less than said predetermined height of said second risers, thus allowing space behind said front panel for selected three-dimensional decorative material, d. a generally stiff back panel positionable behind and spaced from said front panel and having its outer edges engagable to said second flats, and e. attachment means having one part fixed to said frame and a second part spaced from said first part for engaging and urging said back panel forward against said second flats.
 12. A serving tray kit comprising: a. a rectangular frame formed of four beams, each of said beams, having (i) front and rear surfaces that form the front and rear respectively of said frame, and (ii) inner wall surfaces which together define an aperture extending through said frame from said front to said rear thereof, said aperture extending along said inner wall surfaces as three successive steps extending rearward as first risers, and then outward as first flats, thence rearward as second risers, and outward as second flats, and thence rearward as third risers to said rear surface of said frame, b. a generally stiff back panel positionable to have its outer edges engagable to said second flats, and c. attachment means having one part fixable to said frame and a second part spaced from said first part for engaging and urging said back panel forward against said second flat. 